Page 45 of DadBod

ELIZABETH

“Why arewe here at this dump?” Ryann spits angrily as we approach my apartment door. That’s how it’s been so far, and we’ve only been out of Rome’s house for an hour. She’s been a pure delight the entire time.

That right there was sarcasm, if you couldn’t tell.

Because when Ryann’s not typing on her phone, which has been most of the time, she’s complaining. About everything. Like taking the train is beneath her or something. “The seats are filthy,” she’d said when we got on board.

“Like your room?” I asked sweetly.

“People are staring.”

No, they weren’t.

Well, okay, some were staring, but that’s what people do sometimes. Chicago is a big city, and people are strange.

No matter, Rome’s and my plan worked. She chose to come with us rather than clean. I’m not sure I’ll be able to do that every time we want to go somewhere, but I’ll think about that tomorrow.

I finally answer her question. “I forgot something in my apartment this morning. We’re picking it up before we go to our destination.”

“You live here?” Ryann’s voice is the most judgmental thing I’ve heard in a long time, and I work with Monica.

“I do.” I say it in my cheeriest voice because I love my apartment and I’m not about to let this surly teen throw shade at me and my home. “My apartment is the bomb.” I nudge Calvin and he smiles up at me.

“Does the homeless man come with the place?” She’s sneering now. It’s not a good look.

Placing my key into my lock, I turn to address her comment. “Don’t be a snob, Ryann. Homelessness isn’t something to turn your nose up at. That man down there”—I point down the steps—“served our country in two wars. He’s a nice man.” I give him food from the restaurant whenever I can.

“Homeless people are crazy and rude.”

“You’re rude,” I mutter under my breath.

“I heard that.”

“Good.”

Opening the door, the first thing I notice is the sun shining through my windows. I smile at the sight.

“Wow,” Calvin says, following me into my tiny space.

As he says, “Cool,” Ryann spits, “Jesus. How tiny is this place? Do you even have a bathroom, or do you have to share with everyone?”

Ignoring her words, I make my way to the dresser, which sits on the wall next to my daybed. Opening the third drawer down, I pull out my tee. “I’m going to change my shirt.” I point to the other side of the room. “In my private bathroom. Be right back.”

I make quick work in my little bathroom because I’m not at all convinced Ryann won’t try to make a run for it. But when I step out, I’m a little surprised to see her sitting on my daybed, looking at the book I’ve got on the nightstand. I remember which book. Shit. “Ryann?” I say with a squeaky voice. “Will you grab––?” What? Think fast, you ninny. “Will you grab––?”

“No worries.” She shuts the book and places it back where she found it. “I’ve heard of that book before. Didn’t they make it into a movie?”

A trilogy, yes. “Uh-huh.”

“I’ll be sure to tell my dad that I only read one of the dirty parts.”

Scowling, I glance at Calvin, who’s standing at the window looking out and down. “Cal?”

He points out the window. “There’s a guy out there singing and dancing.”

Moving until I’m next to him, I look down. “Yeah. He’s always there. He actually works for that store there.” I point to the shady payday-loan business across the street from my building. “They pay him to hold that sign out front to get people’s attention.”

“It’s working.” Calvin’s voice sounds a little sarcastic for a seven-year-old.

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